In a move that has once again stirred excitement in the world of trading card enthusiasts and hockey aficionados alike, Upper Deck has announced an exclusive multi-year agreement with the sensationally talented NHL prospect, Matthew Schaefer. As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the 17-year-old defenseman is poised to add his name to the illustrious roster of athletes who have been immortalized in cardboard by the iconic trading card company.
For those in the collector community, this agreement spells only one thing: if you intend to get your hands on Matthew Schaefer’s rookie card or any signed memorabilia, Upper Deck holds the exclusive right to fulfill that dream. Monopoly in this sense isn’t just a board game—it’s Upper Deck’s strategic move to secure a future star in the sports industry.
Although he’s just 17 years old, Schaefer is no stranger to being in the limelight. Widely anticipated to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, Schaefer finds himself in what one might consider a surreal situation. “It’s pretty special,” the young athlete shares, reflecting on his childhood memories with a hint of nostalgia. As a young boy, he eagerly cracked open pack after pack, carefully inspecting and arranging cards, cherishing every moment with his family. Fast forward to today, he himself will soon grace those very cards, a true full-circle moment.
The sentiment from Upper Deck is one of sheer enthusiasm. “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” proclaimed Jason Masherah, the company president. Given Schaefer’s potential and flair, it’s a safe bet that the templates for the much-coveted Young Guns series have already been sketched out, eagerly awaiting the embodiment of his prowess.
Matthew’s accomplishments in the hockey rink certainly precede this exclusive deal. As a leading figure with the Erie Otters, Schaefer has demonstrated remarkable skills, amassing 22 points in merely 17 games despite grappling with injuries. Such stats are no small feat, particularly for a defenseman of his age. Yet, his journey doesn’t pause at the national level. Wearing the red maple leaf, he has proudly garnered gold medals for Team Canada at both the U17 World Challenge and the U18 World Championship. It’s a string of achievements that would leave most peers envious, though, for Schaefer, it’s just another day in the life.
The hustle to grab onto a piece of Schaefer excitement is not one fans will have to wait long for. With an assortment of signed jerseys, pucks, and prints set to hit the virtual shelves of Upper Deck’s online store by the end of the month, collectors are already fluffing the pillows on their office armchairs in anticipation. As for his rookie cards, those eagerly awaited pieces of cardboard glory, they’ll make their entrance into the market following his NHL debut. Expect hockey card binders the world over to have slots earmarked and waiting.
As the sporting world now pivots its gaze towards June 27–28, the dates earmarked for the 2025 NHL Draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the buzz surrounding Matthew Schaefer only continues to grow. Such is the narrative of a young prodigy preparing for the greatest spotlight of his burgeoning career. With Upper Deck ensuring his enduring presence in the world of trading cards, Schaefer’s journey from family card games to hockey fame is just a card flip away. Hockey fans and collectors alike have every reason to be buzzed; after all, Schaefer isn’t just bringing talent to the ice—he’s making his legacy one card at a time.
